Sartorially-gifted men and women are similar when it comes to fashion: we all want to look nice, save some money, and at the same time wear the latest designer gems. Fortunately, a handful of Bay Area entrepreneurs have developed new approaches that combine traditional methods with innovation. Here are the fash-tech startups to watch in 2015.
Working with different brands like French Connection, BCB Generation, and Nine West, just to name a few, Le Tote and their team of professional stylists help create your ideal outfit. Clientele can rent up to five garments, apparel, and accessories at a time to concoct the perfect look. Wear your new threads as long as you like, and then return them whenever you're done. (Bonus: If you like your look so much you want to keep it, Le Tote will give you a discount, anywhere from 20% to 50% off the retail price.)
Expect new brands like Sam Edelman, Betsey Johnson, and Steve Madden in 2015.
Clients can set an appointment with the San Francisco-based company and an outfitter will come to their home or office to help create their very own personalized shirt. The tailor and customer work together on fabric, style, and measurements, and your personalized Trumaker shirts will be ready for sporting around town in a few weeks.
Founded by Lona Alian Duncan, a former model, Style Lend allows you to rent designer threads that you might not otherwise be able to afford. It's easy: find a dress you like, pick up or have said gown delivered to you, and then, once you're done looking fierce, mail it back to have a concierge pick it up. No need to clean it yourself; Style Lend will also take care of dry cleaning.
"Now we have around ten thousands users and we want to increase that number. Moreover we plan to open an office in New York, Los Angeles and Miami," says Duncan.
Twice makes make buying used feel like buying new.
The SF-based company buys only select brands (think Banana Republic, Gap, J.Crew, Ann Taylor, and up), and only items that are in good condition. With a user base of over one million, Twice has helped scores of people monetize their closets. A great place to find that unexpected gem. They also offer women's shoes and handbags. Fabulous.
